Optical projection system for computer input devices

ABSTRACT

A computer input device, such as an electronic mouse, having an optical projection system. The optical projection system is configured to project an image onto a supporting surface upon which the device rests. In one arrangement the optical projection system includes a light source, an image forming light blocker and optics. The optics may be collimating or non-collimating. In another arrangement the optical projection system may include an active LED matrix display. This system enables a use to personalize and/or customize his or her computer input device. Additionally, it permits the device to serve desirable notification functions if one or more of various events have occurred in a computer application being run on the computer. An example of event for notification includes the receipt of a message in a communications program such as an e-mail message.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computer input device having anoptical projection system. More specifically, the present inventionrelates to an optical projection system for a computer input device todisplay visual indicia or another image to a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many people feel that the design and appearance of consumer products area reflection on the users of the products. Additionally, many usersprefer and/or enjoy customizing their consumer products, and the morethey use these products the more they are apt to want to customize theirproducts. Computer input peripherals such as electronic mice,trackballs, and keyboards may be included within this set of consumerproducts. Indeed, numerous different designs for these products arecommercially available. Further, some of these products are available indifferent Colors. A mouse design made by Logitech® may be purchased withthree interchangeable faceplates, with each faceplace being made of adifferent colored plastic. However, some may feel that attempts to dateto personalize and/or customize computer input devices have been lessthan ideal and/or may not suit their preferences.

Many computer communication systems, such as e-mail programs, arecurrently used. Some of these programs have notification features.Typically, with a notification feature of the program in an active mode,the receipt of an e-mail may cause an icon or user interface to appearon the display device or may cause the computer to produce an audiblesignal. However, such icons and visual indicators take up valuabledisplay area, and both the visual and audible indicators can sometimesbe annoying, even to the point where many users disable such features.

Therefore, it would be advantageous for computer input devices toprovide a more personalized and/or customized appearance, and/or tomaximize functions, such as a user notification function, whereby theuser may be notified of various events in a desirable and visuallyappealing manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, an aspect of the present invention provides acomputer input device that includes an optical projection system. Theoptical projection system may be substantially contained within thehousing of the computer input device and is oriented and configured todisplay an image or pattern on a surface supporting the computer inputdevice. This arrangement provides an alternative and unique method for auser to personalize and customize the computer input device. Themanufacturer or other supplier may configure the image for its ownbranding purposes or for branding by a customer.

In another aspect, the optical projection system provides an alternativeand unique method to notify a user of various events. This may beaccomplished by changing states of an illumination member, changingdisplayed graphical images on the supporting surface, and/or bydisplaying different alphanumeric characters.

In one aspect, an improved computer input device is configured to reston a supporting surface. The computer input device includes a housinghaving a lower periphery and an image projection system. The imageprojection system is configured to display an image on the supportingsurface adjacent to and outside of the periphery when the computer inputdevice is resting on the supporting surface.

According to another aspect, a computer mouse includes a housing, aplurality of actuators mounted on the housing, and an optical projectionsystem. The optical projection system includes a light source and amovable image forming element located within the housing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer inputdevice includes a method of notifying a user of an occurrence via acomputer peripheral device. A first image is projected onto a displayregion, and upon a predetermined condition associated with a computerprogram, a second image, different from the first image, is projectingonto the display region.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will beapparent upon consideration of the following detailed description ofpreferred embodiments thereof, presented in connection with thefollowing drawings in which like reference numerals identify likeelements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in detail herein with referenceto the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of an electronic mouse type computerinput device having an image projection system.

FIG. 2 is a schematic partial side sectional view of the electronicmouse of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 a-3 e show pattern light blocking devices with alternativepatterns.

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial side sectional view of an electronic mousewith an alternative image projection system.

FIG. 5 is a schematic partial side sectional view of an electronic mousewith an image projection system having rotatable multiple pattern lightblocking devices.

FIGS. 6 a-6 b show pattern light blocking devices for use with theembodiment of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic partial side sectional view of an electronic mousewith an image projection system having linearly movable multiple patternlight blocking devices.

FIG. 8 show pattern light blocking devices for use with the embodimentof FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a schematic partial side sectional view of an electronic mousewith an alternative image projection system.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of the image projecting system used in theembodiment of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of an electronic mouse type computerinput device having the image projection system of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of an electronic mouse with analternative image projection system.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view of the image projection system used in theembodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a display used in the embodiment of FIG.12.

FIG. 15 is a side view of an electronic mouse type computer input devicehaving an image projection system utilizing a wall of the housing as adisplay surface.

FIG. 16 is a schematic partial rear side sectional view of theelectronic mouse of FIG. 15 showing a first image projection system.

FIG. 17 is a schematic partial rear side sectional view of theelectronic mouse of FIG. 15 showing an alternative image projectionsystem.

FIG. 18 a is a side view of an electronic mouse type computer inputdevice having an alternative image projection system utilizing a wall ofthe housing as a display surface.

FIG. 18 b is a schematic partial rear side sectional view of theelectronic mouse of FIG. 18 a showing an alternative image projectionsystem.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view illustrating an exemplary operatingembodiment for the computer input device.

FIG. 20 shows a schematic diagram depicting a relationship betweenvarious computer application programs and the computer input device forcontrolling an illumination member on the computer input device.

FIG. 21 shows an alternative schematic diagram depicting a relationshipbetween various computer application programs and the computer inputdevice for controlling an illumination member on the computer inputdevice.

FIG. 22 shows a combined schematic diagram and flow chart of thenotification agent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The device with the image projection system is depicted in the figuresas being incorporated into a computer input device, which, in oneembodiment, is a pointing device, particularly a computer mouse. Inaddition to the mouse-style pointing device, the image projection systemcan also be incorporated into other types of computer-related inputdevices in non-depicted embodiments, including a trackball pointingdevice, a touchpad pointing device, and a keyboard, for example. Withinthe scope of the present invention, however, the image projection systemmay also be incorporated into a plurality of other computer-relatedinput devices, such as the bezel of a personal data assistant orhandheld computing device, a web pad or other Internet appliance, agaming controller, or a chassis of a notebook computer, for example.Thus the type of device in which the image projection system isincorporated into is not limited, therefore, to the precise examplesembodied in the drawings, but may be incorporated into a variety ofdevices to provide the functions discussed herein.

Referring to the figures, the image projection system is incorporated ina mouse type computer peripheral device and the mouse is generallydesignated by reference numeral 10. As used herein, the terms “mouse”,“electronic mouse”, and “computer mouse” are commonly used to refer to acomputer input mouse design having a tracking system such as, but notlimited to, a lower mounted ball or an optical tracking system, fordetermining the relative movement between the mouse and a surface uponwhich it rests. The mouse device 10 transmits signals generated by amovement sensor and may be used to control a geographical pointer or adisplay of a computer system. In use, the mouse 10 is connected to acomputer 200 and provides signals to the computer 200 and can control acursor or other object on a monitor.

The connection may be via a cable 199, such as a cable with a USBconnection, or may be a wireless connection using a wireless transmitterand receiver as is known in the art. If a cable with a USB connection isprovided, the cable 199 may carry power and/or signals from the computer200 to the mouse 10. Alternatively and/or additionally, the mouse mayinclude a power supply.

The mouse device 10 preferably includes a housing 12 having asubstantially flat bottom surface 14 such that it is configured to reston a flat supporting surface 20. The mouse 10 further includes aperiphery 19 defined at its bottom outer edge. The housing 12 furtherincludes an upper body 13 shaped to interface with and preferablysupport the human hand. The mouse also includes a movement sensingsystem 11 that determines the relative movement between the supportingsurface 20 and the mouse 10. In a first embodiment, movement sensingsystem 111 may include a movable ball that can be rotatably mounted inthe bottom of the housing 12. Movement of the rotatable ball may besensed by any conventional mechanical or optical sensing system, or byany other desired technique. For example, if a mechanical sensing systemis used, the ball may be supported on a pair of perpendicular rollers.In a second embodiment, movement sensing system 11 may include anon-ball optical tracking device. In one such arrangement, movementsensing system 11 includes a light source that is directed at thesupporting surface 20 through the bottom of the housing 12, and anoptical sensor inside of the housing 12 that determines the relativemovement between the supporting surface 20 and the mouse 10. Each ofthese tracking devices and methods as described herein are well known.

The mouse 10 further includes a number of actuators. In the depictedembodiment, a pair of push button actuators 16 a and 16 b (e.g., primaryand secondary keys) and a scroll wheel 18 are provided on the housingbody 13. Further, the scroll wheel 18 may be depressible to provideanother actuator function. However, it is recognized that alternativenumbers, types, and configurations of actuators may be used on mouse 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, the computer input device, e.g., the mouse 10,includes an image projection system 30 that is configured to generateand project an image 24 onto the supporting surface 20 in some depictedembodiments and onto a wall of the housing 12 in other depictedembodiments. The image projection system 30 is preferably separate fromthe tracking device and is positioned substantially contained inside ofthe housing 12. The image 24 may be a logo, symbol, character orcharacters (e.g., letters and numbers), indicia, or any desirablegraphical design. Accordingly, the image 24 may be alphanumeric ornon-alphanumeric. FIG. 1 illustrates one example where the image 24 is astylized graphical representation of an envelope.

In an exemplary arrangement, the image projection system 30 includes alight source, an image shaping device, and other optical elements. Asshown FIG. 2, the light source may be an LED 34 to produce the lightthat creates the projected and displayed image 24. In lieu of an LED 34,an incandescent light source or a laser may be used. The image shapingdevice may be a pattern light former such as a pattern light blocker 42.As used herein, a pattern light blocker 42 is a device that selectivelypermits and prevents the passage of light there through in a patternthat corresponds to the displayed image 24. The pattern light blocker 42may define a pattern that is identical to the displayed image 24 or itmay define a pattern that is an angularly skewed representation of thedisplayed image 24. In one arrangement, the pattern light blocker 42 maybe a reticule or other thin plate where one or more light transmissiveopenings are formed therein.

FIGS. 3 a-3 e illustrate examples of pattern light blockers 42. Thepattern light blocker in FIG. 3 a would be used to form the image 24projected in FIG. 1. The pattern light blocker 42, e.g., a reticule,includes one or more light transmissive sections 42 b with the remainderof the pattern light blocker 42 preferably being a light blockingsection 42 a. In this example, there are two light transmissive sections42 b, an upper triangular section and a lower five-sided shape, thatforms an image. Thus, when the light from the LED 34 passes through thepattern light blocker 42, the resultant beam is blocked in region 42 aand will pass through the two distinct light permissive sections 42 b sothat the two beam sections correspond to the image 24 to be displayed.This is somewhat similar to the manner in which a stenciledjack-o-lantern permits a desired lighted image.

The light transmissive sections 42 b of pattern light blocker 42 may beof any desired configuration so the number of variations of images 24that can be displayed are virtually limitless. For example, the patternlight blocker 42 may provide a shape to create the image of a personalexpressive nature, such as the frowning and smiling face of FIGS. 3 band 3 c respectively. Alternatively, the pattern light blocker 42 mayinclude the initials of the user, e.g., LN, as shown in FIG. 3 d so thatthe displayed image is of the initials of the user. In anotherembodiment, the pattern light blocker 42 may be of a graphicalrepresentation, such as a depiction of a hamburger and a drink, whenilluminated, to inform passersby that the user is at lunch. Virtuallyany graphical representation desired by the user may be user to create agraphical image 24 that makes a personal statement, a hobby, aninterest, a favorite sports team or character, or one that reflects anotification or other functional purpose.

As described above the light transmissive portion 42 b of the patternlight blocker 42 may be formed by air gaps cut, etched, or otherwiseformed in a metal or otherwise opaque plate which forms the lightblocking section 42 a. However, numerous alternative arrangements may beused. For example, a transparent sheet, such as a plastic or glass, maybe used with paint, or light blocking materials to form the lightblocking section 42 a. In an alternative arrangement, not shown, theimage forming structure can be formed by a reflective surface in lieu ofthe light transmissive portion 42 b. In this arrangement, the patternlight former 42 is actually a pattern light reflector and such would beangled relative to the light source to reflect the desired pattern.

If desired, optical elements such as one or more lenses 52 may be usedto affect the spot of the image 24. That is one or more lenses may beused to angle, expand, contract, re-image, or collimate the beam. Thus,the selection of lenses may affect whether the image size is smaller orlarger. In one embodiment, as depicted, a convex-convex lens is usedwhich creates a predetermined focal point for the image 24, i.e., afinite conjugate optical system.

Further, based on the criteria of the other elements in the imageprojection system 30, the lens or lenses 52 may affect whether thedisplayed image 24 is angularly distorted. In one arrangement, as shown,the plane of the pattern light blocker 42 and the central axis of thelens 52 perpendicular to the optical line intersect at a point thatsubstantially lies in the plane of the support surface 20. It is notedthat the number of lenses and other optical elements, such as mirrors,may affect the desired configuration. Further, if desired, angulardistortion can be compensated for in the design of the image blockingdevice 42.

If desired, the lens, e.g., lens 52, may be disposed in the aperture 13a in the housing 12. This has an added advantage of providing a seal toprotect the elements inside of the housing 12 from dust and othercontaminates. Further, it may be positioned within a recessed area ofthe aperture 13 a to shield it from inadvertent damage and minimize thepossibility of it becoming scratched.

Based in part on the interior space of the housing 12, a reflectivesurface such as a mirror 58 may be used if desired. In the arrangementas shown in FIG. 2, the mirror 58 is disposed adjacent the top of theinside of the housing 12. This bends the beam (or beam portions ifmultiple light transmission portions 42 b are present) to angle itrearward toward the back of the mouse 10.

In use, in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2, the LED 34 directs lightupward through the light transmissive sections 42 b of the pattern lightblocker 42. The remainder of the light does not pass through the patternlight blocker 42 due to the light blocking section 42 a. The beamportions of light that pass through the light permissive sections 42 breflect off of the mirrored surface 58 and through the lens 52 where itis focused as desired onto the supporting surface 20 to the desireddisplayed image shape 24. FIG. 4 depicts an arrangement which is similarto that depicted in FIG. 2 except that no mirrored surfaces to changethe angle of the beam are used.

In an exemplary embodiment, the pattern light blocker 42 is a singlestatic device located within the housing 12. It may be fixed in thatlocation. Alternatively, the pattern light blocker 42 may be removablycoupled to the housing 12 such that the user may remove one patternlight blocker 42 and replace it with another. In one arrangement, thepattern light blocker 42 may be accessible via a slot or removableaccess door, not shown, in the housing 12.

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary arrangement wherein multiplepattern light blockers 42 are disposed on a movable holder 44. Morespecifically, as shown in FIGS. 6 a and 6 b, the holder 44 includesmultiple angularly displaced pattern light blockers 42 and a centralhole 47. The holder 44 is coupled to a motor 45 and an axle 46. The axle46 preferably is coupled to and extends through the hole 47 in theholder 44. The motor 45 may be angularly controlled such that one of thepattern light blockers 42 is disposed in the optical path at a giventime. Thus in the depicted arrangement, the motor 45 is controllable torotate the holder 44 in 90° increments. In lieu of motor 45, a rotatablesolenoid device may be used.

In the holder 44 of FIG. 6 a, four pattern light blockers 42 containinggraphical symbols that are notification-related are provided. Thus, ifthe holder 44 is disposed such that the top pattern light blocker 42 isin the optical light path, then the displayed image will represent afacsimile machine. This may be used to notify the user that a facsimilemessage has been received. If the motor 45 rotates the holder 90°clockwise, pattern light blocker 42 will result in a displayed image ofan envelope as shown in FIG. 1 for example. This may be used to notifythe user that he or she has received an email message. If the motor 45rotates the holder 90° clockwise again, the subsequent pattern lightblocker 42 will result in a displayed image of a telephone. This may beused to notify the user that he has a voice mail message waiting.Another 90° rotation of the holder 44 by the motor 45 and the finalpattern light blocker 42 in the holder 44 will result in a displayedimage of a conference room setting. This may be used to notify the userthat he or she has a schedule conference upcoming or past due.

In the holder 44 of FIG. 6 b, four pattern light blockers 42 containinggraphical symbols that are enthusiast or hobby-related are provided. Inthis example, the pattern light blockers 42 all form logos of sportsteams that the user may like. For example, the holder 44 of FIG. 6 bincludes (clockwise from the top) logos of the Colorado Avalanche® ofthe National Hockey League®, the New York Yankees® of Major LeagueBaseball®, and the Calgary Flames® and the Philadelphia Flyers® of theNational Hockey League®. The user may be able to purchase or otherwisehave made a holder 44 containing his or her favorite symbols to bedisplayed. The user may control the motor 45, as will be describedhereinafter, to choose the image to be displayed at any given time. Inaddition to sports team logos, other graphical designs such as cartooncharacters, flags, music groups, etc., may be used. Further, while four90° displaced pattern light blockers 42 are depicted, more or less maybe used.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative exemplary arrangement whereinmultiple pattern light blockers 42 are disposed on a movable holder 44.More specifically, the holder 48 may include multiple linearly displacedpattern light blockers 42. In the depicted arrangement, the patternlight blockers 42 are laterally spaced from each other on a commonholder 48. The holder 48 is coupled to a linear actuator 49 such as asolenoid. The actuator 49 may be linearly controlled such that one ofthe pattern light blockers 42 is disposed in the optical path at a giventime. Thus in the depicted arrangement, the actuator 49 is controllableto move the holder 48 between first and second positions. Thus, in theconfiguration of FIG. 7, the holder 48 is configured and oriented tomove in and out of the plane of the figure and laterally relative to themouse 10. Further, while two linearly displaced pattern light blockers42 are depicted, more than two may be used and the actuator 49 may havemore than two positions. In the holder 48 of FIG. 8, the pattern lightblockers 42 will result in a displayed image of a telephone or adisplayed image of an envelope based on the position of the actuator 49.

FIGS. 9-11 illustrate an alternative arrangement of the image projectionsystem 30 wherein the light from the LED 34 is collimated by optics. Inan exemplary arrangement, the light is collimated by a pair of opticallenses 54 a and 54 b. As schematically depicted in FIG. 10, the firstlens 54 a, a concave-concave lens, expands the beam. The then-expandedbeam reaches the second lens 54 b, a planar-convex lens that collimatesthe beam. The collimated beam then passes through a pattern lightblocker 42 and casts an image 24 onto the supporting surface 20 adjacentthe bottom periphery 19 of the mouse 10. If desired, as can be seen inFIGS. 9 and 11, the aperture 13 b is slightly enlarged and extended tothe bottom of the mouse 10 if desired, to form a notch. The patternlight blocker 42 closes the opening to internal components andeffectively provides a seal to protect the elements inside of thehousing 12 from dust and other contaminates. Further, it may bepositioned within a recessed area of the aperture 13 b to shield it frominadvertent damage and minimize the possibility of it becomingscratched.

Additionally, the pattern light blocker 42 may be externally accessibleand removably coupled to a bracket 43. For example, it may be possiblefor the user to slide the pattern light blocker 42 into and out of itsin-use position. The pattern light blocker 42 and the bracket 43 maycreate a snap-fit or friction-fit relationship to prevent inadvertentmovement of the pattern light blocker 42. In another arrangement, atransparent element may be provided in the depicted position of patternlight blocker 42 and the user may affix and remove overlays such asdecals or stickers with transparent and translucent portions to create apattern light blocker 42.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate an alternative arrangement of the imageprojection system 30 wherein the light is generated by, and the imagepattern is created by an active LED matrix display 60. The LED matrixdisplay 60 is an array of small LEDs for display of alphanumericinformation. Such active LED matrix displays 60 are commerciallyavailable and manufactured by Agilent Technologies, Inc. For example,Agilent Technologies, Inc makes models HDSP-2301-2303 which are fourcharacter 5 mm alphanumeric displays each formed by a 5×7 LED array.Active LED matrix display 60 is preferably coupled to a printed circuitboard 62 and receives input for display there from. Other models fromAgilent Technologies, Inc, such as model HCMS-3966, and from othermanufacturers may also be feasible alternatives.

If desired, optics such as lens 52 may be used to focus the alphanumericcharacters generated by LED matrix display 60 onto the supportingsurface at the desired size. This has an added advantage of providing aseal to protect the elements inside of the housing 12 from dust andother contaminates.

Active LED matrix display 60 may be programmable to display a numberthat changes to reflect desired notification data. For example, the LEDmatrix display 60 may be programmed to display the number of receivedand unopened emails and/or voice mails. For example, FIG. 12 illustratesthe display 24 of the numeral 24 that may reflect the number of unopenedemails. Thus, if an additional email was received, the LED matrixdisplay 60 can illuminate to display the numeral 25. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the LED matrix display 60 can scroll messages tothe user. For example, the following alphanumeric characters can bescrolled as a display 24 on the supporting surface to indicate that theuser has 4 email messages: “YOU HAVE 4 EMAILS”. Numerous otheralternatives messages may be scrolled by to indicate variousnotifications.

In all arrangements as described above for projecting an image 24 ontothe supporting surface 20, the image projecting systems 30 display theimage 24 proximate to the bottom periphery 19 of the mouse 10 and morepreferably immediately proximate to the bottom periphery 19 of the mouse10. In one arrangement, the adjacent edge of the image 24 is spacedbetween 1 mm and 25 mm from the bottom periphery 19 of the mouse 10.More preferably, the adjacent edge of the image 24 is spaced between 10and 20 mm from the bottom periphery 19 and the size of the display inthe direction from its forward adjacent the mouse 10 to its opposingrearward end is preferably between 5 mm to 15 mm. However, it isrecognized that other sizes and distances may alternately be used.Further, while the depicted arrangements illustrate the images 24extending from the rear of the mouse 10, the image projecting system 30and housing 12 may be configured and oriented to cast the image 24 onsupporting surface 20 at any desired position relative to the mouse 10.

In the embodiments of 15-18 b, the image projecting systems 30 aresimilar to the image projecting systems 30 described above except thatthe displayed image 24 is cast onto an internal side of a wall surface17 of the mouse 10 in lieu of the supporting surface 20. For example,FIG. 15 illustrates the mouse 10 with an image projecting system 30wherein the image 24 is displayed on a wall portion 17 of the housing 12of the mouse 10. The wall portion 17 of the housing 12 is made from anydesirable material as long as the image 24 from image projecting system30 is visible when looking at the external surface of the wall portion17. In one arrangement, the wall portion 17 is made from a partiallytranslucent plastic material to aid in the visibility of the image 24being displayed. In another embodiment, the wall portion 17 is made froma transparent plastic material with a frosted effect also to aid in thevisibility of the image 24 being displayed. The remainder of the upperbody 13 may be from the same material and/or have the same appearance aswall portion 17, or may be of a different color or opacity to make thewall portion 17 stand out.

In one arrangement, as shown in FIG. 16, the image projecting system 30is substantially similar to the image projecting system 30 of FIG. 4 inthat a light source, e.g., LED 34, emits light that passes through apattern light blocker 42. The remainder of the light does not passthrough the pattern light blocker 42 due to the light blocking section42 a. The beam portions of light that pass through the light permissivesections 42 b passes through the lens 52 where it is focused as desiredonto the wall surface 17 to form the desired displayed image shape 24.

In another arrangement, as shown in FIG. 17, the image projecting system30 is substantially similar to the image projecting system 30 of FIG. 9in that a light source, e.g., LED 34, emits light that passes throughoptical elements, e.g., lenses 54 a and 54 b, to collimate the beam. Thecollimated light then passes through a pattern light blocker 42. Thebeam portions of light that pass through the light permissive sections42 b hits the wall surface 17 to form the desired displayed image shape24.

As with the embodiments that shine the image 24 on the supportingsurface 24, the embodiments of the FIGS. 15-17 may include a movableholder (e.g., holders 44 or 48) containing plural pattern light blockers42 to enable alternative images 24 to be displayed.

In another arrangement, as shown in FIGS. 18 a and 18 b, the imageprojecting system 30 is substantially similar to the image projectingsystem 30 of FIGS. 12-14 in that an active LED matrix display 60displays alphanumeric characters and that optical elements such as oneor more lenses can focus the emitted light to a desired image size. Inthis arrangement, however, the alphanumeric characters 24 are displayedon the wall surface 17 of the mouse 10.

While the arrangements illustrate the images 24 being displayed on theside wall surface of the mouse 10, the image projecting system 30 andhousing 12 may be configured and oriented to cast the image 24 onhousing 12 wall at any desired position relative to the mouse 10,including other side regions, the rear surface regions, or the topsurface regions.

While the light source as described in the embodiments above is an LED34, the LED 34 may be a multi-color LED, or may be any desired colorsuch as red, yellow, or green. The color (in a multi-color LED) and theintensity as well as whether the light is to remain on consistently orintermittently may be programmable by any known method. For example, inone arrangement, signals from the computer based on a user's input canselect preferences of these parameters. Further, the light source neednot be an LED, and may be an incandescent light member. In anotherembodiment, not depicted herein, the light source for the imageprojection system 30 emanates from a portion of the light from anoptical tracking system, such that light from a single LED can be splitto perform both functions. Additionally, the Active LED matrix display60 may be any desired color, such as red, yellow, or green.

It is further recognized the elements within the housing 12 are shownschematically and not as mounted by any specific hardware arrangement.Any suitable mounting arrangement for these elements may be used and mayalso depend on the housing design and the other characteristics andfeatures of the mouse 10.

The lenses 52, 54 a, and 54 b described herein are preferably made froma plastic such as polycarbonate, acrylic, or polystyrene, or from aglass such as SF11 or SF5. The lenses may be disposed to be an integralwindow through the housing 12 or may be disposed in the opticalpassageway.

In an alternative embodiment of an image projecting system 30, a lasermay be used as the light source. In such an arrangement, a diffractiveoptical element may be, but need not be, provided in lieu of the patternlight blocker 42. The laser, and pattern light blocker 42 or diffractiveoptical element work in conjunction with one another to form a patternout in space that may be displayed on the supporting surface 20 or on awall portion 17 of the housing 12.

In another alternative embodiment of an image projecting system 30, aback-lit LCD arrangement could be used similar to what is used inprojector systems. In such an arrangement, a light from behind an LCDelement is used to shine through the LCD. The LCD is controlled suchthat selective pixels allow Red/Green/Blue wavelengths to pass through.If desired, the pixels may include interlaced RGB filters which areaddressed electronically. The image may then be cast upon the insidesurface of the housing or on a supporting surface as shown in thefigures.

It is again noted that while the depicted embodiments are of a computermouse 10, other embodiments include the image projection systems 30described herein in trackball devices, keyboards, scanners, and othercomputer peripheral devices.

Operating Environment

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a computing environment in which thecomputer peripheral device 10 having the optical projection system maybe implemented. The present invention may be implemented within ageneral purpose computing device in the form of a conventional personalcomputer 200, including a processing unit 210, a system memory 220, anda system bus 230 that couples various system components including thesystem memory to the processing unit 210. The system bus 230 may be anyof several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memorycontroller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofbus architectures. The system memory includes read only memory (ROM) 240and random access memory (RAM) 250.

A basic input/output system 260 (BIOS), containing the basic routinesthat help to transfer information between elements within the personalcomputer 200, such as during start-up, is stored in ROM 240. Thepersonal computer 200 further includes a hard disc drive 270 for readingfrom and writing to a hard disk, not shown, a magnetic disk drive 280for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk 290, and anoptical disk drive 291 for reading from or writing to a removableoptical disc 292 such as a CD ROM or other optical media. The hard diskdrive 270, magnetic disk drive 280, and optical disc drive 291 areconnected to the system bus 230 by a hard disk drive interface 292, amagnetic disk drive interface 293, and an optical disc drive interface294, respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readablemedia provide nonvolatile storage of computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules and other data for the personalcomputer 200.

Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard disk,a removable magnetic disk 290 and a removable optical disc 292, itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types ofcomputer readable media which can store data that is accessible by acomputer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital videodisks, Bernoulli cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read onlymemories (ROMs), and the like, may also be used in the exemplaryoperating environment.

A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk, magneticdisk 290, optical disc 292, ROM 240 or RAM 250, including an operatingsystem 295, one or more application programs 296, other program modules297, and program data 298. A user may enter commands and informationinto the personal computer 200 through input devices such as a keyboard201 and pointing device 10. The pointing device is preferably anembodiment of the electronic mouse device 10 as previously described.Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, gamepad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These and other input devicesare often connected to the processing unit 210 through a serial portinterface 206 that is coupled to the system bus 230, but may beconnected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or auniversal serial bus (USB). A monitor 207 or other type of displaydevice is also connected to the system bus 230 via an interface, such asa video adapter 208. In addition to the monitor, personal computerstypically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such asspeakers and printers.

The personal computer 200 may operate in a networked environment usinglogical connections to one or more remote computers, such as a remotecomputer 209. The remote computer 209 may be another personal computer,a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common networknode, and typically includes many or all of the elements described aboverelative to the personal computer 200, although only a memory storagedevice 211 has been illustrated in FIG. 19. The logical connectionsdepicted in FIG. 19 include a local area network (LAN) 212 and a widearea network (WAN) 213. Such networking environments are commonplace inoffices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the personal computer 200 isconnected to the local area network 212 through a network interface oradapter 214. When used in a WAN networking environment, the personalcomputer 200 typically includes a modem 215 or other means forestablishing a communications over the wide area network 213, such asthe Internet. The modem 215, which may be internal or external, isconnected to the system bus 230 via the serial port interface 206. In anetworked environment, application programs 296 depicted relative to thepersonal computer 200, or portions thereof, may be stored in the remotememory storage device. It will be appreciated that the networkconnections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing acommunications link between the computers may be used.

In one arrangement, as shown in FIG. 20, computer processing unit 310may be coupled to an image program control 330 to control the appearanceof image 24. Such states may include: (1) whether the image 24 isvisible; (2) the degree of illumination (i.e., the light intensity oramount of lumens) of the image 24; (3) the color of the image 24 (if thelight source is a multi-colored LED or other device permitting changesin color; (4) the blinking or flashing of the image 24 (and blinking orflashing sequences); (5) the selected on of a predetermined number ofgraphical patterns of the image 24 (if a dynamic pattern light blockingsystem is used; and/or (6) the specific alphanumeric charactersdisplayed (if the active LED matrix 60 is used). These states may beaffected by program routines 332, 334, 336, 338, 337, and 339respectively. Specifically, the image 24 can be controlled between beingin a visible state and not being in a visible state by controlling thelight source (e.g., LED 34 or active matrix 60) to be ON or OFF. Thedegree of illumination of the image 24 (i.e., the light intensity oramount of lumens) can be controlled by controlling the current and/orpower to the light source. If the light source multi-colored LED orother device permitting changes in color, the color of the image can becontrolled by any suitable method based on the type of multi-coloredlight source. The image 24 can be made to blink or flash by controllingthe blinking and flashing of the light source. If the image projectionsystem 30 includes a dynamic system with multiple pattern light blockers42 such as shown in FIGS. 5-8, the shape of the image 24 to be displayedcan be controlled by sending a command to the motor 45 or actuator 49 tochange the current pattern light blocker 42 by rotating or translatingthe holder 44 or 48. If the active LED matrix 60 is used, the specificalphanumeric characters displayed in the image 24 can be controlled byproviding data in the form accepted by the specific active LED matrix60. The control program 330 and its routines 332, 334, 336, 337, 338,and 339 may be separate programs or routines or part of any otherprogram such as a driver for a mouse or a trackball. If desired, theuser can be given the option of overriding the changing of the states.

If desired, states for the image 24 may be controlled by the computer300 in response to an event or occurrence, a condition, or any otheractivity relating to an application 320-322 being run by the computer300. While three such programs 320-322 have been shown, it is recognizedthat the display of the image 24 may be controlled in accordance withany number of programs. Further, any desirable program or program typemay be used to affect the states of the displayed image 24. Settings anddefaults for the states may be controlled through any desirableinterface. Power to the mouse 10 can be controlled by supplying or notsupplying power to achieve a normally on or off state, and can beperiodically switched off or on, respectively, in response to aparticular condition.

This arrangement enables an occurrence, a state, or any other activityrelating to any other program 320-322 being run by the computer 300 tocause the displayed image 24 to change states. This may be advantageousin using a number of programs, for example, programs relating tocommunication, scheduling, education, or games.

For example, this arrangement may be advantageous for users usingcommunication programs relating to e-mail, voice mail, facsimile, andvarious conferencing techniques. Thus, the displayed image 24 may changestates (including specific displayed shape, specific alphanumericcharacters displayed, turning on or off, blinking or flashing, changingcolors, and/or varying in intensity) in response to the receipt of ane-mail, voice mail, or facsimile message. For example, the motor 45 maybe rotated to place the graphical depiction of the telephone in FIG. 6 ain the optical line of sight so that the displayed image 24 is that of atelephone and the light member may be turned ON. Further, as most ofthese programs identify the sender of a message, a comparison can beperformed to see if the sender of the message is a predetermined user ora user from a predetermined list. Based on the results of such acomparison, the displayed image 24 may change states if the message wassent from a particular user or a user in a particular group.

Additionally, this arrangement can assist the user by indicatingactivity while he or she is away from the computer. For example, theimage projection system 30 may be programmed to blink or flash orotherwise change the displayed image 24 as a function of the number ofmessages that has been received since the user left the computer (whichcan be measured from the last entered computer input), or as a functionof the number of messages that has been received and not read or opened.Thus, a user can be notified that he or she has received two messages inhis or her absence when the displayed image 24 blinks twice insuccession, and if the image shaping device is dynamic, when the imageof an envelope blinks twice in succession. The blinking may be timedbetween periods of being fully on or off.

Similarly, many other programs that interact between multiple usersinclude a solicitation feature. Such programs include communicationsoftware for chat rooms, instant messaging, and video and/or audioconference calls. The displayed image 24 may change one or more statesin response to the receipt of a solicitation to join a chat room,instant messaging, or a call. Additionally or alternatively, thedisplayed image 24 may change one or more states due to a notificationthat a user has entered a common program or system and is now capable ofreceiving a solicitation to join a chat room or call.

Further, alternatively or additionally, the displayed image 24 on theelectronic mouse device 10 may change states in response to calendarand/or scheduling programs. The relationship between the changing of oneor more states and an item on the calendar or scheduling program may beset to be either instantaneous to the time or date or may be set toprovide an advance warning of the set time and date. For example, if theuser has a 3:00 p.m. conference to attend, the illumination device canbe set to change states at 3:00 p.m. or prior to 3:00 p.m. Further, theactivation time for the changing of states in response to an item may beset on an item-by-item basis. For example, a user could program theimage projection system 30 to have the image 24 change states 24 hoursin advance of an important date. Further, if the image shaping device isdynamic, it can move the holder so that the graphical representation ofa meeting setting, such as shown in FIG. 6 a, is displayed and activatedin a desired manner.

Further, the image projection system 30 may also interface with othertypes of programs to change one or more states in response to conditionsor occurrences in the program to notify users of any desirable event oroccurrence. For example, if the program is an educational, trivia, orchild development related game, the displayed image 24 can be anencouragement tool to change states in response to the entry of acorrect answer. For example, an image 24 corresponding to a graphicalrepresentation of a happy face, such as shown in FIG. 3 c, may bedisplayed in response to a correct answer. Additionally, if the programis an adventure game, the displayed image 24 may change states when acharacter enters a dangerous area or situation. It may change states,when player has run out or is running out of a particular supply (e.g.,food, money, or ammunition). For example, an image 24 corresponding to agraphical representation of a food, such as shown in FIG. 3 e, may bedisplayed in response to a player being in need of food. It may changestates in response to being in a given proximity with a desirable orundesirable object. For example, an image 24 corresponding to agraphical representation of a skull and cross bones may be displayed inresponse to a player being near danger. If the danger is significant,the displayed image of the graphical representation of a skull and crossbones may blink and/or change colors. Another alternative is to make theimage 24 blink or flash, with the number of blinks corresponding to thenumber of lives remaining.

If the LED matrix display 60 is used, the display may scroll helpfulalphanumeric data so that it is displayed to the user as a scrollingimage 24 on the supporting surface 20 or on a wall 17 of the housing 12.In applying some of the examples above, the scrolling alphanumericdisplay image 24 may advise the user in a scrolling display of: (a) “4VOICE MAILS”; (b) “MEETING IN 5 MIN”; (c) “CORRECT ANSWER”; (d) “LOWFOOD”; and (e) “DANGER”.

In an alternate configuration, as shown in FIG. 21, the computer 400includes separate programs or routines for the input device driver 430and the notification agent 410. These programs may be stored in a harddrive, or in a solid state memory, or downloaded from a network ofcomputers, for example, from over the internet. In a manner known in theart, the electronic mouse device 10 is coupled to the device driver 430.In a preferred arrangement, mouse 10 is coupled to the device driver 430via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. The device driver 430controls the “state” or “states” of the displayed image 24 based onevents, and/or status or occurrence information relating to anapplication 420-422 derived or determined by notification agent 410.However, it is recognized that the notification agent 410 can becombined with the device driver 430 similar to the arrangement shown inFIG. 20.

The notification agent 410 may be referred to as the interface betweenthe applications 420-422 and the computer input device driver 430 anddetermines events, occurrences, and status information relating to theapplications 420-422 in any desired manner. Notification agent 410interprets notification messages from specific applications 420-422running on the computer 400. When a notification message is received,the notification agent 410 processes the messages and decides whatinstructions or commands to send to the device driver 430. Thenotification agent 410 will then send appropriate commands to the devicedriver 430 to change one or more of the states of the displayed image24. The device driver 430 translates the control messages and sends thecommand over the Universal Serial Bus (USB) down to the device 10. Thedevice 10 receives the message and executes the command that will affectthe state of some type of the illumination member 14 on the device 10.In a preferred arrangement, the notification agent 410 makes use of aframework that enables a common mode of communication betweenapplications. One commercially available product that furthers such aframework is called “ACTIVE X”® by Microsoft Corporation®.

In one example, the notification agent 410 interfaces with an e-mailprogram type of application 420. The notification agent 410 communicateswith the e-mail program application 420 via an interface. As example ofa system employing such an interface, is one using a Microsoft® “ACTIVEX”®, as previously mentioned, control to generate a notificationmessage. When a new message is received, the notification agent 410receives a trigger from the control and checks the number of newmessages in the inbox of the e-mail program. The notification agent 410changes the state of the illumination member 14 on the electronic mousedevice 10 for every new message by sending an appropriate command to thedevice driver 430. In one desirable arrangement, for every new message,the notification agent 410 causes the displayed image 24 to blink,either rhythmically or non-rhythmically. The user can glance at thesupporting surface 20 adjacent the mouse 10 or at a wall 17 of the mouse10 note the number of new messages on the e-mail program application 420by counting the number of times the image 24 blinks. Further, the image24 displayed can also be changed to display the specific type(s) ofreceived messages by displaying an image corresponding to, for example,an envelope, a facsimile machine, or a telephone. Examples of e-mailprogram applications are as Microsoft® “OUTLOOK”™, Novell® GROUPWISE™,or Lotus® NOTES™, or any other electronic mail program that permitsknowledge of the values in its fields or the existences of new messages.Alternatively, other communication systems may be used that generatesimilar messages. For example, other messaging system includes instantmessaging system from AOL® and “MSN”™.

In one method, as shown in FIG. 22, the notification agent 410, at step450, interfaces with a field in an e-mail application 420 to determinethe number of received and unopened e-mail messages, and assignsvariable N to have that number. That number is then compared to 0 atstep 452. If that number is 0, then step 456 will occur and there willbe no command to change the state of the illumination member 14. Thus,the state of displayed image 24 will remain at its default of being ON.However, it is recognized that the default can be OFF. When the N is notequal to 0, a command is sent to the device driver 430 to blink N times,at step 451. This may be accomplished, by doubling that number N, andchanging the states that many times. That is, the ON/OFF state of thedisplayed image 24 is changed 2N times. Thus, if N=1 and the lightsource is in the default ON state, the notification agent 410 sends twosignals: a first signal to change the state of the display to OFF viathe light source, followed by a second signal to change the state of thedisplay to ON via the light source. If the number of unopened receivedmessages is three, N=3, the state of displayed image 24 will be changedsix times to produce three flashes. Predetermined delay periods orpauses can be used. Between flashes and/or between flashing cycles tocreate a desired flashing effects. To turn the displayed image 240N andOFF, a program routine can start off with a variable equal to 2N anddecrease it by one each time through the cycle. When that variable isequally divisible by two, i.e., an even number, then a signal can besent to turn the illumination member 140N, and when that variable is notequally divisible by two, i.e., an odd number, then a signal can be sentto turn the illumination member 14 OFF. While not depicted in FIG. 22,the notification agent 410 could run periodically run through thedifferent types of notifications, e.g., emails, facsimiles, voice mails,meetings, etc., and change images and/or other image states asapplicable. Alternatively, if an active LED matrix display 60 is used,this information can be scrolled as the display image 24.

While this is one method for blinking the displayed image 24, it isrecognized that other methods may be used. Further, based on the levelof detail and functionality of the device driver 430, a single commandmay be sent from the notification agent 410 to the device driver 430which may be interpreted to make the displayed image 24 blink a singletime or multiple times. Additionally, it is recognized that all or mostof the functionality associated with the device driver 430 may belocated in a controller 431 in the computer input device 10. If desired,the changing of states of the displayed image 24 may be programmed tocease upon a user input, such as the movement of a mouse-type computerinput device relative to a supporting surface, upon the movement of aball on a trackball-type computer input device, or the typing of a keyon a keyboard-type computer input device until the receipt of asubsequent message.

The notification agent 410 may transmit a general command to the devicedriver 430 which interprets the command for the actual peripheralcomputer input device 10. Thus, it is not necessary that thenotification agent 410 know which specific computer input device 10 isused. Further, the notification agent 410 may be a program written inany desirable computer language including, but not limited to, VisualBasic, C++, and JavaScript.

The device driver 430 can control the ON or OFF state and/or theblinking of the displayed image 24 by known signal modulationtechniques. Alternatively, the device driver 430 may control thedisplayed image 24 via a USB connection, as is known in the art. Inanother arrangement, as shown in FIG. 21, the computer input device 10,e.g., the trackball, keyboard, or mouse, includes a controller 431coupled to the device, driver 430 and the image projection system 30.The controller 431 may be a microprocessor, circuitry, or any othersuitable arrangement. In such an arrangement, the device driver 430 cansend command signals to the controller 431 to change any of the statesof the displayed image 24. The controller 431 recognizes such signals tochange the state(s) of the displayed image 24 as described above.

As previously described, states for the displayed image 24 may becontrolled by the computer 400 in response to an occurrence, acondition, or any other activity relating to any other program 420-422being run by the computer 400. While three such programs 420-422 havebeen shown, it is recognized that illumination device 14 may becontrolled in accordance with any number of programs. Further, anydesirable program or program type may be used to affect the states ofthe displayed image 24. Settings and defaults for the states may becontrolled through any desirable interface. Power to the mouse 10 can becontrolled by supplying or not supplying power to achieve a normally onor off state, and can be periodically switched off or on, respectively,in response to a particular condition.

This arrangement enables an occurrence, a state, or any other activityrelating to any other program 420-422 being run by the computer 400.This may be advantageous in using a number of programs, for example,programs relating to communication, scheduling, education, or games.

The displayed image 24 enables the mouse 10 or any other computer inputdevice to be used as an output device as well. The displayed image 24can present information to the user relating to an application runningon the computer. This presentation of information by changing the statesof the displayed image 24 enables the user to be notified from variouspositions even when the monitor screen is at a bad angle in the eventthat the supporting surface 24 or the wall surface 17 of the mouse 10are visible.

The phrase “predetermined event” as used herein means an eventassociated with the operation of a computer application and excludes thenormal powering on and off of the computer.

The phrase “communication application” as used herein means a computerapplication that enables text, video, or audio communication between auser and at least one of another user, computer, or network ofcomputers. Examples of communication applications include, but are notlimited to, applications for enabling e-mail communicating, voice mailcommunicating, facsimile communicating, video and/or audio conferencing,and instant messaging.

As previously described, the image projection system 30 is incorporatedinto other types of computer-related devices within the scope of thepresent invention. For example, non-depicted embodiments include, butare not limited to, a trackball, a touch pad, a keyboard, a digitaltablet, a pointing stick, and a joystick. It is recognized that theembodiments with the mouse, a trackball, a touch pad, a digital tablet,a pointing stick, and a keyboard having a touch pad, rotatable ball,pointing stick or alternatives thereto, are configured and equipped toserve as pointing devices that allow a user to input spatial data to acomputer or other processing device.

The term “trackball device” is commonly used to refer to a computerinput device having a body and a rotatable ball coupled to the body fordirect manual engagement by a user when the trackball device is restingon a supporting surface. A motion sensing system detects movement of therotatable ball relative to the body. The term “track-mouse device” asdefined and used herein means a computer input device being a mouse or atrackball device.

Thus, while there have been shown and described features of the presentinvention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will beunderstood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in theform and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, andin the method illustrated and described, may be made by those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit of the invention as broadlydisclosed herein.

1. A computer input device configured to rest on a supporting surface,comprising: a housing having a lower periphery; and an image projectionsystem configured to display an image on the supporting surface adjacentto and outside of the lower periphery when the computer input device isresting on the supporting surface.
 2. The computer input device of claim1, wherein the image projection system is substantially contained withinthe housing.
 3. The computer input device of claim 2, wherein the imageprojection system includes a light source, a light blocker having alight transmissive portion and a light blocking portion, and a lens. 4.The computer input device of claim 3, wherein the image projectionsystem further includes a mirror disposed in a light path between thelight source and the displayed image.
 5. The computer input device ofclaim 3, wherein the light blocker is optically located between thelight source and the lens.
 6. The computer input device of claim 3,wherein the lens creates a focal point for the displayed image locatedsubstantially on the supporting surface.
 7. The computer input device ofclaim 3, wherein the lens is optically located in a light path betweenthe light source and the light blocker.
 8. The computer input device ofclaim 2, wherein the image projecting system includes a light blockerand optics configured to enable the introduction of collimated light tothe light blocker.
 9. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein thecomputer input device is a mouse.
 10. The computer input device of claim9, wherein the image projecting system includes an active LED matrix.11. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein computer input deviceis one of a trackball, mouse, and keyboard.
 12. The computer inputdevice of claim 1, wherein the image includes an edge adjacent to thelower periphery, and wherein the image projection system is configuredand oriented so that the adjacent edge of the image is within 1 mm and25 mm from the lower periphery.
 13. The computer input device of claim2, further comprising multiple predetermined image forming devicesdisposed within the housing, each image forming device producing adifferent displayed image.
 14. The computer input device of claim 13,further comprising a device for moving the image forming devicesrelative to an optical path.
 15. The computer input device of claim 14,wherein the device for moving the image forming devices is configured tolinearly move the image forming devices.
 16. The computer input deviceof claim 14, wherein the device for moving the image forming devices isconfigured to rotatably move the image forming devices.
 17. The computerinput device of claim 1, wherein computer input device is a pointingdevice.
 18. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein computer inputdevice includes a motion detecting system.
 19. The computer input deviceof claim 1, further comprising an aperture in the housing, and whereinan optical path defined between a light source and the displayed imageextends through the aperture.
 20. The computer input device of claim 1,wherein the image projection system includes a laser.
 21. The computerinput device of claim 1, wherein the computer input device is packagedas a kit with multiple replaceable image forming devices.
 22. Thecomputer input device of claim 21, further comprising a light source anda light path extending from the light source to the displayed image,wherein each of the multiple replaceable image forming devices isremovably attachable within the light path.
 23. The computer inputdevice of claim 1, further comprising a light source and a light pathextending from the light source to the displayed image, wherein each ofthe multiple replaceable image forming devices is a removable overlayaccessible from an exterior of the housing.
 24. A computer mousecomprising: a housing; a plurality of actuators; a motion detectingsystem for determining relative movement of the mouse; and an opticalprojection system including a light source and a movable image formingelement located within the housing.
 25. The computer mouse according toclaim 24, wherein the mouse is configured to rest on a supportingsurface and the optical projection system is configured to project animage onto the supporting surface.
 26. The computer mouse according toclaim 25, wherein the optical projection system includes an LED, amirrored surface, and optics.
 27. The computer mouse according to claim26, wherein the optical projection system includes an LED andcollimating optics.
 28. The computer mouse according to claim 25,wherein the optical projection system includes an array of LEDs.
 29. Amethod of notifying a user of an occurrence via a computer peripheraldevice configured to project images, the method including the steps of:projecting a first image onto a display region; and upon a predeterminedcondition associated with a computer program, projecting a second image,different from the first image, onto the display region.
 30. The methodof claim 29, wherein the display region is in an area adjacent a housingperiphery of the computer peripheral device such that the projectingsteps include projecting the first and second images onto a supportingsurface adjacent the housing periphery.